When buying outdoor furniture, you have a wide variety of materials from which to choose. Cedar is often cited as one of the better options. Continue reading to discover why cedar furniture is good for outdoor use.
Natural resistance to water, decay and bugs
Because your patio or garden furniture spends so much of its time outdoors, it must withstand decay, the elements and pests. Of course, some materials are better suited for this job than others. Cedar, which contains natural oils, is especially resistant to damage caused by bugs, decay or water. Compared to many other types of outdoor furniture, it is more likely to retain its original attractive appearance.
Graceful aging
To retain the original look of your cedar furniture over the years, you can stain it, or apply paint. However, if you choose to leave the furniture alone, it gradually weathers into a lovely gray or silver shade. This change is true of all type of cedar, including the popular red variety.
Stability
Cedar is an especially strong wood that is not prone to warping or sagging. Consider cedar items when you want furniture with a rustic look and exceptional durability. Because of its strength, cedar furniture can last for around 30 years. This period is a much longer duration than the longevity of various other outdoor furniture options, such as pine or particle board.
For outdoor use, cedar furniture is widely viewed as a good choice. Less expensive than teak and lighter than oak, cedar possesses many major advantages that make it suitable for outdoor placement. Keep the benefits of cedar in mind when deciding which type of furniture to add to your garden or patio area.
Benefits of Cedar Furniture
Sturdiness and durability are just a few of the benefits of cedar furniture. Valued for its strength since ancient times, cedar wood is an excellent choice in wooden home and patio furniture.
Natural properties
Cedar has many natural properties that are beneficial. The odor of cedar is rather pungent, repelling insects while smelling pleasant to humans. The oils in cedar protect the wood against decay, which makes the material ideal in even the muggiest climates. Outdoor cedar furniture also resists bacterial and fungal growth.
Insulation ingrained
Cedar has tiny pockets of air inside the grain of the wood, and those air pockets protect the wood from changes in temperature. Even when it is hot outside, the cedar patio furniture is not hot to the touch. This translates into greater comfort when sitting on cedar benches and chairs during the hottest months of summer.
Heavy duty
Cedar patio furniture is relatively heavy, so it withstands a lot of wind without blowing over or away from your home. Cedar is nearly as strong as oak, which makes it solid furniture for a patio.
Low maintenance and affordability
Cedar furniture requires minimal maintenance to keep it looking good, giving you more time to enjoy it. When compared to other similar patio furniture, the cost of cedar is quite reasonable.
There are many benefits to owning cedar patio furniture. It is strong, low maintenance and affordable. Cedar repels insects, resists fungal growth and holds up well in high humidity. It is an excellent choice in both indoor and outdoor furniture
Ways to Protect Cedar Furniture
A quality piece of cedar furniture is often a substantial investment, so protecting the wood is a primary concern. A properly treated piece of cedar can last for decades without degradation. This means that you and your family can enjoy your cedar furniture for many years by taking just a couple steps to ensure that it has the proper protection.
Off-season storage
This easiest thing that you can do to protect your cedar furniture is to keep it covered during the off-season. Even though cedar is a great choice for outdoor use, extended exposure to rain and snow takes its toll over the years. If moving the furniture to a covered area is not an option, many companies offer all-season covers for individual pieces. We offer a wide variety of sizes on our web-site for you to choose from.
Wood sealer
When you bought your cedar furniture, it probably came pre-sealed from the manufacturer. These sealants last for a while, but the furniture needs a new coat about every one to two years to stay in its best shape. Sealants prevent dirt, water and mold spores from entering the pores of the wood extending its life and preventing warping or rot. Look for wood sealers that also contain UV-protectant chemicals to also keep the natural tone of the cedar from fading. We use a product call Sun Frog that provides this protection.
Cedar is an extremely tough wood that has natural anti-microbial properties, so it is a great choice for furniture, especially in the outdoors. Although it is a resilient wood, it still requires some basic care. Following the steps above to take care of your cedar furniture guarantees that it lasts for years.